Behavioral modification programs: HSA Eligibility

What are behavioral modification programs?

Behavior modification is a treatment plan designed around the concept of operant conditioning, or the examination of negative behaviors and an effort to replace those with more desirable behaviors through positive and negative reinforcement. This technique has been successful in the treatment of a wide range of psychological conditions, including phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), enuresis, separation anxiety disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other generalized anxiety disorders. Each of these conditions utilize behavioral modification in varying ways, and medical professionals can combine it with other treatments to form an effective strategy to alleviate the condition/related behaviors.

The term "operant conditioning," which lies at the heart of the practice of behavioral modification, was coined by psychologist B.F. Skinner in the mid-20th century, and is designed to examine behavior and the causes of an action and its consequences. One of the most common methods within this strategy is positive reinforcement, which is a series of rewards that are earned by continually performing certain behaviors or strategies. A contract is often drawn up so the patient knows exactly how he/she can work toward a goal, and gradually these desirable actions are meant to replace the negative behaviors (Simply Psychology).

Conversely, some psychological conditions/behaviors are treated with negative reinforcement, in which the patient will incur some type of penalty for indulging in undesirable behavior. For instance, if an individual is trying to quit smoking, one example of negative reinforcement is being forced to pay $5 each time he/she gives into a craving. Additionally, negative reinforcement has roots in child-rearing, as withholding privileges like television, toys or other activities when negative behavior arises provides incentive for kids to curb unwanted actions (National Center for Biotechnology Information).